The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Levels I and II 
December 7, 2010 - Levels 1&2, Issue 03
In This Issue
Level I Presentation Summary
Level II Presentation Summary
Prophesies
Infancy Narratives
The Land of Israel
Christmas Eve Family Mas
We Gather Together
Advent Reconciliation
Caroling Under the Bean
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Dear CGS Parent  
The Good Shepherd

Sorry for the one-week delay in getting out a December newsletter.  Today's will serve as combined news for Levels I and II since presentations in both levels over the next few sessions are on prophesies and infancy narratives.

 

This Sunday marks the third week of Advent, on which we light the rose candle to signify our particular joy as we pass the half-way point of Advent.  There are so many opportunities for parishioners to spend time together this week and next.  Read more in the article "We Gather Together."  The greatest goal of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to provide the time and space for the child to come into relationship with Jesus the Good Shepherd.  One of the best ways that children learn how to be in good relationships is through the examples around them.  Consider how you want to invest in relationships this Advent.

 

Planning is underway for the Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4PM.  You should have recently received an e-mail from Sarah Coles (or see article below) explaining opportunities for your child's involvement.

 

The St. Teresa catechists continue to pray for children and families for a grace-filled time of preparation and waiting.
 
Peace,
The Level II catechist team:   

Myrna Gomez and Audrey Cusack on Tuesdays

Barb McHugh and Erin Walsh on Thursdays

Jane Ott, Aimee Jaszczor, and Byrd Matejka on Sundays

and Lina Hilko (editor)

Level I Presentation Summary

11/30, 12/2,5:    Globe and Raised Map of Israel

12/7,9,12:          Prophesy of the Light; Prophesy of Bethlehem

12/14,16,19:      Prophesy of the Virgin; The Annunciation

1/11,13,16:        Presentation of Jesus in the Temple


Level II Presentation Summary

11/30, 12/2,5:    Synthesis of the Prophesies

12/7,9,12:          Visitation of Elizabeth by Mary

12/14,16,19:      Prophesy of the Peaceable Kingdom; Prophesy of the Valleys and Mountains

1/11,13,16:        The Holy Family's Flight into Egypt


Prophesies

In celebration of the Advent season, a time for preparation, the children will be asked to reflect upon words spoken by prophets and recorded in the Old Testament.  Children will learn that the prophets are people who listen very attentively to God's voice and then speak His words to others.

 

Various prophesies are presented throughout the three years of catechesis.  The scripture passages are as follows:

  • Isaiah 9:2 - The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
  • Isaiah 7:14 - Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel.
  • Numbers 24:7 - A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.
  • Micah 5:2 - But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from You shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel.
  • Isaiah 9:6 - For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Consider using these prophesies as a part of family prayer, such as before meals or at bedtime, during Advent.  You and your child can prepare cards with the words of each prophesy and an illustration.  Then, your child can choose just one to read (or have read) before each family dinner or bedtime.  Remember that repetition is very beneficial to all our learning.  God's Word speaks to us in different ways all throughout our lives.  The Word cannot be exhausted.

Infancy Narratives

Infancy narratives are Gospel accounts about Jesus' birth and childhood.  These narratives are presented and repeated throughout the years in Atrium because the narratives, like all Biblical text, contain something to be discovered every time they are read.  Consider incorporating the narratives into your prayer at meals or bedtime.  The scripture references are as follows:

  • Annunciation, Luke 1:26-35
  • Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, Luke 1:39-49, 56
  • Birth of Jesus & Adoration of the Shepherds, Luke 2:1-20
  • Adoration of the Magi, Matthew 2:1-12
  • Presentation in the Temple, Luke 2:22-34(34 through the word "Israel"), 36-40
  • Flight into Egypt, Matthew 2:13-14  (Level II but not Level I)

Ask:  What do the people in the story hear?  How do they respond to God's message and gifts?
 
Advent and Christmas are about a past event, about the first-fruits of the fulfillment of God's plan.  And Advent and Christmas are about today, as we each actively collaborate with God to build God's kingdom.  And Advent and Christmas are about living in hope for the Parousia, the time when God will be all in all.  So, you are in these stories today and tomorrow and every day until God is all in all.

 

As a living participant of each of these stories, ask again:  What do you hear?  How do you respond to God's message and gifts?

The Land of Israel

Children already have an innate sense that Jesus is God.  Presentations of geography nourish their unfolding understanding that Jesus is a real person that lived in a real time and in a real place.  This knowledge is foundational to the child's appreciation of the greatest gift of Christmas, the gift of the Incarnation -- Heaven and Earth united through Jesus Christ, true human and true God.

 

The globe that is presented in Atrium has a tiny red dot marking the land of Israel.  Such a presentation will support another common message:  God favors and commonly works with the very small to transform the small into the great.  The land of Israel is quite small in all the world.
 
The raised surface map of Israel allows the child to look closer at Israel, which is just a tiny red dot on the globe.  They can appreciate that the land is hilly and mountainous and has valleys, rivers and seas.  The map contains three holes in which to place markers:

  • Nazareth, where the angel, the Holy Spirit, came to Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus.  The marker has a picture of a dove, representing the Holy Spirit.
  • Bethlehem, the "City of David," where Jesus was born.  The marker has a star because a star guided the Magi to Bethlehem.
  • Jerusalem, the place where Jesus died and is risen.  The marker has an empty cross.

This map helps to anchor subsequent presentations, especially of the infancy narratives, in reality, locating the events in a real place.  The marker symbols of the star and the cross are also used on the liturgical calendar to mark Christmas and Easter.  So, the children start to experience a unity of time and place and reality.


Christmas Eve Family Mass
The Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4PM is a very special time and place.  There are many ways for the children to get involved and help during the liturgy. We have bigger parts like readers and gift bearers. And we have the heartwarming opening procession of shepherds and angels who walk reverently with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus.  Please e-mail Sarah Coles ([email protected]) to let her know of your child's interest in participating and in what way.

We Gather Together

When you join other parishioners for social events, you demonstrate to your children that St. Teresa's is an important community to your family.  Luckily December is full of opportunities for families to have fun together!  Mark your calendar for the right events for you.

  • Breakfast with Santa:  Sunday, December 12th, at 10AM.  Pancakes and Santa, who could ask for more!
  • Stories and Caroling:  Sunday, December 12th, at 7PM.  Parishioner Michael Schafer will present the stories and history behind each song, followed by a group sing-along with Jason and Rita.
  • Caroling Under the Bean:  Friday, December 17th, starting at 6PM (details in article below)
  • Christmas Open House at Rectory:  Sunday, December 19th, 5PM to whenever.  You know you gotta eat!

Check the bulletin (available at st-teresa.net) or call the office (773-528-6650) for more details.

Advent Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated in the church on Wednesday, December 15th, starting at 7PM.  The catechesis program provides an opportunity to celebrate Reconciliation during Lent, but we do not offer something specifically for children during Advent.

Caroling Under the Bean

Here are the details from the e-mail sent by Liz Ellis for an impromptu St. T's caroling outing:

 

What:  Caroling at Cloud Gate (aka The Bean in Millennium Park)

When:  Friday, December 17, 2010

Time:  6:00 p.m.- 6:50 p.m.

 

Afterwards, I thought it would be fun to walk through the Christkindlemarket (Daley Plaza) before heading to Butch McGuire's, a Chicago institution known for its Christmas decorations, for some holiday cheer.

 

If you are able to join for some or all of the evening, let me know ([email protected]) so we can coordinate meeting up. Kids welcome!!  Happy Holidays!  Liz

Please provide comments about this newsletter to Lina Hilko, the editor, at [email protected] and/or Sarah Coles, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education, at [email protected].